Ben-Gvir Slams Police Chief Over Handling of Haredi Protest

Clashes erupted Thursday at the Geha Interchange near Bnei Brak during a protest by hundreds of Haredim against the detention of yeshiva student Alon Smadja, who is imprisoned for failing to report for military service. The protest led to the closure of Highway 4 in both directions, with police deploying stun grenades and force to disperse the demonstrators. Images circulated online showed injured and bleeding Haredi protesters on the road, with reports indicating two sustained head injuries. Three police officers and a journalist were also injured during the confrontations.

In response to the events, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir launched a sharp attack on Police Commissioner Dany Levy. Ben-Gvir stated that Levy has been acting "as if he wants to please the next government, thinking he will find favor with Yair Golan," and described the "bizarre images" from Geha as part of Levy's "new agenda to curry favor with leftists." Ben-Gvir, who appointed Levy, accused him of acting illegally against the Haredi community since the elections, turning them into his "punching bag."

Comparisons to previous protests reveal a complex picture. In April 2024, three police officers were injured during a protest in Kaplan, Tel Aviv, the same number as injured officers at Geha. However, unlike the Haredi protests, no injuries among demonstrators were reported, nor was the use of stun grenades mentioned. At that time, Ben-Gvir supported the police actions and criticized investigations against them.

The police emphasized that the Geha protest involved severe disturbances, not just a peaceful demonstration. According to a police statement, protesters threw stones and objects at officers, with one officer sustaining a head injury from a stone and another suffering broken ribs. A press team was also attacked, and a reporter was hit in the head. Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of assaulting officers and disturbing the peace. Police clarified that an officer declared the protest illegal before employing measures.

Meanwhile, MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism condemned the documented violence against protesters and demanded the Police Commissioner investigate the officers' conduct, though he stated his opposition to road blockades. The protests are occurring against the backdrop of the controversial issue of draft dodger arrests. As of October 19, there were 76,809 individuals defined as draft dodgers and absentees, but only 437 were arrested since the start of 2026. Further data revealed that between July and October, only 14 absentees were arrested following random encounters with police, while 143 others were released because the military police did not arrive to collect them.

Highway 4 was reopened after the protest dispersed, but the controversy surrounding police actions is far from over. The minister responsible for the police attacking its head just two days after an inconclusive election adds a political dimension to the ongoing conflict.